Building heights in Suffolk County are set by Boston's article-specific zoning, with downtown heights up to 1,000 feet (Hancock Tower area) but residential neighborhoods capped at 35-50 feet. FAA Logan approach cones further constrain East Boston and Winthrop.
Suffolk County has no height rules — Boston Zoning Code handles the skyline. Boston residential zones generally cap structures at 35 feet or 2.5 stories; Back Bay Article 27 caps residential at 70 feet for historic consistency; downtown and Seaport zones allow up to 400-1,000 feet (200 Clarendon/Hancock at 790 ft, 1 Dalton at 742 ft, One Dalton at 691 ft). The Shadow Law (Boston Municipal Code Chapter 362 of the Acts of 1990) restricts new buildings that cast shadows on Boston Common, the Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall — a unique Boston preservation tool. Logan Airport FAA Part 77 obstruction-evaluation surfaces impose strict height limits across East Boston, Winthrop, Chelsea, and downtown — any structure above certain heights requires FAA 7460-1 filing, and Logan approach/departure cones effectively cap development in East Boston and Winthrop to modest heights. Chelsea has heights up to 65+ feet in some districts. Revere's tallest buildings concentrate on Revere Beach Boulevard. Height is measured from average finished grade per 780 CMR definitions. Chimneys, antennas, elevator penthouses, and mechanical equipment have limited exemptions. Variances require ZBA hearing.
Boston exceeding height limit: stop-work order plus required reduction or variance. Fines $500-$2,500 under Boston Municipal Code §9-1.3. Shadow Law violations: injunction plus project redesign. FAA obstruction violations: federal penalties plus possible required alteration/removal.
Revere, MA
Revere's noise ordinance prohibits construction before 7 AM (9 AM on Saturdays and holidays) and after 6 PM. No construction on Sundays. Confirmed by Revere ...
Revere, MA
Revere enforces noise complaints under Title 9 (Public Peace, Safety & Welfare) of its Code of Ordinances. No published single decibel limit; enforcement use...
Revere, MA
Barking dogs addressed under Revere Code Title 6 (Animals) and general nuisance provisions. Excessive barking complaints handled by Revere Animal Control. Do...
Revere, MA
Revere is adjacent to Boston Logan International Airport (directly across the harbor). Aircraft noise is governed by FAA regulations and Massport; the city h...
Revere, MA
Revere has a city-wide electronic residential parking permit program under Code Ch. 10.34. As of March 1, 2025, no physical sticker required — registration i...
Revere, MA
Commercial vehicles require a separate Commercial Vehicle Parking Permit to park overnight on public ways in Revere. Cost: $420/year. Vehicle must be under 1...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how Revere's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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